What had been formally announced — why, wasn’t it just, like, yesterday? — as a public meeting today to reveal the winning bid for the “iconic” or “signature” downtown aquatic centre appears to have suddenly become a secret council meeting.

As one newsroom wag puts it — they’re opening bids but closing doors.

Citing well-worn Section 239(2)(f) and (e) of the Municipal Act, which covers info on “client privilege/potential litigation,” council members were emailed just hours before the 4 p.m. announced public meeting and informed the meeting will now be behind closed doors. Media were informed at the same time that “THERE WILL BE NO OPEN MEETING.”

“I don’t know at all,” said Coun. Percy Hatfield’s response when I asked about the sudden change.

“I don’t know why it wasn’t identified as an in-camera meeting from the beginning,” Coun. Bill Marra told me on the phone from Ottawa, where he’s attending an FCM board meeting.

“It’ll all make sense at 4 o’clock,” I was finally told by Mayor Eddie Francis, who — surprise, surprise — does know what’s going on.

What a relief — all will be revealed … just not in the open.

Because there was less than 24 hours notice given, city deputy clerk Steve Vlachodimos told me council has to approve shutting the doors to the public by a two-thirds vote. Bill, obviously ‘cos he’s in Ottawa, and possibly another councillor who is unavailable, won’t be able to make the meeting, meaning six of the remaining nine (including mayor) must be convinced the matter is of such vital secrecy the media should be excluded.

My guess is that shouldn’t be a problem. I just hope there’s more explanation than “client/solicitor stuff, nudge-nudge, wink-wink” before the politicians agree to go all secret. And then once the doors are locked and the mystery discussion is underway, I hope somebody remains sufficiently wary to ensure the private conversation doesn’t veer away from the strictly legal into the realm of political and public.

Shelby Askin Hager, a lawyer and the city’s manager of purchasing and risk management who is handling the aquatic centre RFP, would only tell me it’s “legal advice that has to be given to council.”

Shelby wouldn’t tell me what, if anything, had changed since the previous night’s special (and open) meeting, at which time councilors got a first peek at the two competing finalists before approving sending both to the final cost-envelope-opening stage today.

Will the envelopes be opened today? Is there trouble surrounding any of the unsuccessful bidders? Are lawyers circling?

Lively discourse is the lifeblood of any healthy democracy and The Star encourages readers to engage in robust debates about our stories. But, please, avoid personal attacks and keep your comments respectful and relevant. If you encounter abusive comments, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. The Star is Using Facebook Comments. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Essex MP Jeff Watson confirmed Saturday that the federally-owned Paul Martin Building will be sold to the city for $1 and converted into a law school building for the University Windsor, as previously reported by The Windsor Star.

Essex MP Jeff Watson announced Saturday that the federal government will invest $3.5 million to "make FINA a success." He made the announcement at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre on behalf of Sports Minister Bal Gosal.

Now so much more than a pleasant break from long distance highway driving, the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry has become a trip highlight for visitors exploring Manitoulin Island, Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory.